Gerber Strongarm Camp: Solid "Meh"

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Jul 25, 2022
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After a few years of debating buying a Gerber Strongarm, they come out with a more Bushcarafty version. Ok, I'm in and top my shekels and wait expectantly. It comes in and boy was I disappointed. The camp is not nearly as robust as its predecessor and kind of over priced compared to to other knives on the market. I made a video about it and would like to share it. Cheers.
 
After a few years of debating buying a Gerber Strongarm, they come out with a more Bushcarafty version. Ok, I'm in and top my shekels and wait expectantly. It comes in and boy was I disappointed. The camp is not nearly as robust as its predecessor and kind of over priced compared to to other knives on the market. I made a video about it and would like to share it. Cheers.
My older brother gave me the original Strongarm with coated blade as a gift a while back, and I like that version. They're supposed to be darn near unbreakable too. In reality, I probably only ever needed my Mora Garberg and Gerber Strongarm for my fixed blade camping knives, and not all my fancy CPK, Les George, and David Mary camping knives 😅
 
My older brother gave me the original Strongarm with coated blade as a gift a while back, and I like that version. They're supposed to be darn near unbreakable too. In reality, I probably only ever needed my Mora Garberg and Gerber Strongarm for my fixed blade camping knives, and not all my fancy CPK, Les George, and David Mary camping knives 😅
If I had to have one or two blades, I would go for the original over the Camp version. I see them in the $60 range during periodic sales. I would also go for a SOG Tellus over the Strongarm. Cheers
 
I have 2 Strongarms (1 plain blade and 1 partially serrated) and I love them! Thanks for the video review of the Camp version...that's enough for me to stay away, LOL. If you get a chance, grab a Strongarm...I think you'll like it!
 
They made the original for the military and who camps more than soldiers? This one was a solution to a problem they already solved.
 
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They made the original for the military and who camps more than soldiers? This one was a solution to a problem they already solved.
it didn't have the name camp or bushcraft in it, so total fail to anyone who camps and bushcrafts.😉

I got a strong arm. it's okay. I'd probably take a mora with me instead camping though.......
 
They made the original for the military and who camps more than soldiers? This one was a solution to a problem they already solved.
Yes, general military is a unique use. Tactical knives are usually too delicate for opening cans or used as a pry bar. Most field knives are similarly not robust enough. Throw in the fact that the typical E-3 downrange makes $30k a year, the original strong arm is an affordable and practical option.

I kind of whish they hadn't marketed the Camp as a "Strongarm" and not its own knife. Because it is, it gets compared to the original and is lacking. As its own knife, it would be better to compare to a MORA and is a decent knife. If it was $20 cheaper, it would be a much more interesting and effective.
 
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